Well, we don’t know how to do that. In the same way, the basic elements that are in the fish when they are caught will be in the finished fertilizer. Freshwater fish has about 2% nitrogen so that’s what there will be in the finished product. It won’t be 10% or 15% and it doesn't need to be. Because what we do have in the fertilizer are many other elements as described below that ensure your soil is healthy and your plants are strong.

pH of the fertilizer

The pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. The total range of the pH scale is from 0 to 14. Values below the mid-point (pH < 7.0) are acidic and those above pH > 7.0 are alkaline. If the substance has a pH = 7.0 it is considered to be neutral.

The pH of soil is the foundation of the chemistry and nutrient reaction in the soil so it is an important parameter. Most plants perform best in a soil that is slightly acid (pH = 5.5 to 6.5). Some plants like blueberries require the soil to be more acid (pH = 4.5 to 5.5), and other plants like alfalfa will tolerate a slightly alkaline soil (pH 7.0 to 7.5).

The pH of Fogroff organic fish fertilizer is slightly acidic so that it suits the majority of plants.

Typical analysis: pH = 4.5

Guaranteed analysis: pH = 3.5 to 5.5

Primary nutrients, NPK

The primary nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K). These are known as the NPK content and are specified as a percentage of the total volume and our Fogroff organic fish fertilizer contains a beneficial balance of these main nutrients. Nitrogen promotes the growth and reproduction of the foliage; phosphorous keeps the plant healthy and aids with the production of flowers; potassium enables plants to metabolize the food and convert it into energy.

The secondary macro nutrients are calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). Calcium plays an important role in the growth and nutrition of the plant, as well as in establishment of cell walls. Calcium helps to increase the Brix levels but deficiency can result in stunted growth. Magnesium is essential for many plant functions including photosynthesis – magnesium is the central element of the chlorophyll molecule. Sulfur is a structural component of protein and peptides and is active in the conversion of inorganic nitrogen into usable proteins. Sulfur also gives the characteristic odors and flavors to mustard, onion and garlic.

The third group of elements required by plants is micro-nutrients, sometimes called trace elements, or trace minerals. Just because they are needed in lesser amounts than the two previous groups does not diminish their importance or value. The list can include more than we describe below, but these are the ones commonly identified.

Boron (B) helps to maintain a balance between sugar and starch. It is important in pollination and seed reproduction. A deficiency of Boron may stunt the growth of roots. It is better to have soil that is slightly acidic for the plant to absorb as much boron as possible.

Chloride (Cl) is considered a micro-nutrient, but plants can take up as much chloride as they do some macro-nutrients.

Cobalt (Co) is needed only in minute amounts by plants, animals, and humans. Yet without that trace amount, we would die (and too much can cause cobalt poisoning.) Soils very low in cobalt may grow plants with a cobalt deficiency, and when animals graze on them, the animals suffer from the lack of cobalt. Cobalt is the central component in vitamin B12. Most of the earth's cobalt is in its core so for most of us we will never be exposed to too much of it!

Copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) are necessary for increasing and stabilizing photosynthesis (the manufacturing of chlorophyll). Iron when found in the soil is usually in the form of iron sulfate or chelated iron. Deficiencies of either iron or copper often show up in yellowing or even necrosis of the leaves. Although copper is an essential element, too much of it can cause harm. Excessive amounts may exist in the soil from mining, smelting, or inorganic pesticides.

Manganese (Mn) and molybdenum (Mo) aid in the utilization of nitrogen. Manganese also plays a part in breaking down carbohydrates while molybdenum helps in the building of amino acids. Manganese is necessary for building the chloroplasts, which are found in the plant cells working in the complex system of photosynthesis. A deficiency of manganese often shows up in strangely-colored leaves or in spots on leaves.

We all need salt to live. But too much salt is bad for us. So, the main ingredient, sodium (Na) is essential but not in large quantities. Excess sodium results in the formation of dense, impermeable surface crusts that hinder the emergence of seedlings. It can also increase the pH so that the availability of other nutrients is reduced. That’s why a fertilizer made from sea water fish can be problematic. Fogroff is made from freshwater fish and has the right balance of sodium for healthy soils and plants.

In just minute amounts, zinc (Zn) is essential for the transformation of carbohydrates and the regulation and consumption of sugars. It is necessary for the formation of starch, proper root development, and influences the rate at which seeds and stalks mature. Finally, the presence of just small amounts in the tissue enables the plant to withstand lower air temperatures. Like copper, too much zinc can be toxic to plants. Many chemical fertilizers have zinc in a form that is highly insoluble and is not readily absorbed by the plants. This can lead to polluted soils because the zinc in the inorganic fertilizer does not become much more soluble over time.

Heavy metals in fertilizers and other soil inputs are a threat to the sustainability of farming practices. Heavy metals may be taken up by plants and be present in edible tissue. Some heavy metals will be toxic to plants themselves. In general, we can all agree that we don’t want heavy metals in our plants and that means we don’t want them in our soils or our fertilizers.

However, the exact definition of what constitutes a heavy metal varies. All sources agree that it comprises at least three elements: arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), and these three are almost always regulated by authorities. Some authorities also restrict the amounts of chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), and vanadium (Vn). In addition, as mentioned above under micro-nutrients, copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are also monitored because although these are essential elements, too much is considered a health risk.

It is prudent public health practice to avoid exposures to heavy metals, especially for susceptible populations, such as children. Many authorities that regulate inorganic fertilizers suggest that consumers check the information about heavy metal composition of specific products before using them. Better advice is to use Fogroff organic fish fertilizer!